🏏ICC Men's T20 W C 2026: Group B, M 30: AUS vs SL at Pallekele🏏 - Page 8

Time for another pause and this time, maybe Australia need it more. They are still probably ahead in the game but if this recent pattern continues, SL might draw parity very soon. Australia, remember, have a deep batting unit, and that could yet come into play tonight. Pathirana is likely to not return to the field either

Time for another pause and this time, maybe Australia need it more. They are still probably ahead in the game but if this recent pattern continues, SL might draw parity very soon. Australia, remember, have a deep batting unit, and that could yet come into play tonight. Pathirana is likely to not return to the field either

Drinks are on the field now.. After that initial onslaught from Head and Marsh, Sri Lanka have pulled things back nicely through their spinners. All four wickets has fallen to spin and the run-rate has been brought down under 10. With dew setting in, they would be happy if Australia are restricted to under 190.

Sunitha : "What is the need to belt the ball in the middle overs , especially when your opening partnership has laid a solid foundation? Poor cricket from Tim David" -- Well, you can understand teams trying to take the scoring up a notch, but Australia's shot selection and execution has left a bit to be desired.

Kula: "SL shouldn't step off the gas from this stage"

OVER 14

5 runs

AUS 136/4 CRR: 9.71

GJ Maxwell 4 (5b)

JP Inglis 9 (11b)

DN Wellalage1/33 (4)

Australia Innings

14.3 Kamindu Mendis to Maxwell, SIX runs

Clean as a whistle! Slowed up but this lands right in the slot on leg stump. Maxwell backs away and pumps it over long on!

Australia Innings

14.4 Kamindu Mendis to Maxwell, FOUR runs

This is even better! Floaty again, and in the slot again, on middle and off. Maxwell cocks his wrists, opens his bat face and carves it over extra cover!

150 up for Aus after 15 overs

Drop

15.2

Dushmantha Chameera to Glenn Maxwell, 2 runs, dropped! Nissanka is the fielder. This is a massive moment. Maxwell is looking in ominous form and he's been given a reprieve. Slower delivery and Maxwell does not spot it,

Kush: “The 100 run opening partnership at an excellent clip has resulted in Aussies still being ahead despite the current setback “ —it also helps that they have a very deep batting line up. But they still need to be careful and not wither away the early advantage.

Lakwin: this is familiar. SL getting thrashed initially and now fighting back in the form kf Hasaranga.

Mustafa Moudi: “Since Aussies have just one recognised batter left, they must bat sensibly instead of slogging. 185 should be a good total!!” — Well, spoiler alert , they have two (Stoinis and Connolly). Bartlett can give it a tonk too. Chameera back on.

OVER 16

9 runs

AUS 160/4

CRR: 10.00

GJ Maxwell 22 (14b)

JP Inglis 15 (14b)

PVD Chameera0/25 (2)